Meet the lovely ladies of Jordandené
Jordandené is a Brooklyn-based, woman-owned, small business. Our casually geeky apparel and home goods are subtle enough to actually be used in everyday life. Our design team uses traditional ink and brush techniques to create unique, hand-lettered designs. We choose messages that both strike a chord with hardcore fans and promote positive messages to everyone who sees them.
Rocking Your Fandom With Style
By: Tristan George, Jordandené
Before I discovered, then insisted on working for, the perfectly geek chic brand Jordandené, my knowledge of the nerd world of fashion didn’t extend past fangirl empire Her Universe. But, as the world of fandoms expands, so do the way/s of representing them with pride.
Gone are the days where geeks of all calibers are tied down to stiff, crewneck tees with big logos in primary colors. Wearing your fandom nowadays can be as stylish as ever, and it’s much easier than you think. You can quietly rock your fandom for just about any occasion. Here’s how you do it.
- Cosmetics
We’ll start small but mighty. Pop culture collaborating with the world of make-up has been around for long enough for even the biggest companies to get on board. Remember the MAC Betty & Veronica line? How about the Covergirl x Star Wars collection? Holika Holika even has products based on my favorite lazy Sanrio character. There’s something out there for everyone.
This Game of Thrones-inspired eyeshadow trio by Strobe Cosmetics is one of my personal favorites. Pigment and a promise of cruelty-free products are the two most important things when it comes to my makeup, and Strobe passes both with flying colors, pun absolutely intended. The Bay of Dragons set comes with three gorgeous shades with coppery finishes that are perfect for fall, each with a name inspired by everyone’s favorite dragons.
Wearing these shadows aren’t as obvious as walking around in your House Targaryen shirt, but there’s still something incredibly satisfying about telling someone, “Oh, this color? It’s called Drogon.”
More recommendations: Nerdy nail wraps by Espionage Cosmetics, Fandom fragrances by Geekssentials on Etsy
- Accessories
One of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received falls under this category. A few years back, my best friend gave me this Hobbit Door Necklace for Christmas. I remember tearing up when I unwrapped it, and even more so when the tiny door popped open to reveal it was a locket in disguised. Not only could I wear my favorite story wherever I went, but I could take a piece of home with me, too. Cue the waterworks.
Nerdy accessories are great for a multitude of reasons— they can be the centerpiece of an outfit or hide in plain sight, you can wear them as often as you’d like, and they always make fantastic gifts, in case you want to try and make your friends cry, too.
My most recent obsession? Enamel pins. Yes, they’re everywhere, and yes, I mean that in the best way possible. Think of anything, no matter how bizarre or ridiculous, and I can guarantee you that someone out there makes a pin for it. These adorable Ghibli creatures from Blushsprout are a personal favorite. Look at that glitter!
The best part about accessorizing with pins? You can never have too many, and you’ll more than likely never run out of room. So, go ahead and fill up your backpack, your lapels, your favorite denim jacket and hop in on the “pinsanity” trend.
More recommendations: Clutches by Sent From Mars, Officially licensed goodies by Rocklove Jewelry
- Apparel
Tiny trinkets not quite enough for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Cute and slightly nerdy apparel is as accessible as it is adorable nowadays, so you can hold off on that Star Wars tee from Target that’s been stuffed in the bottom of your drawer on days you’re feeling a little more stylish.
I’ve never bought something from Elhoffer Design that I didn’t immediately fall in love with. From amazingly soft cardigans to flattering scuba knit dresses, it’s impossible to find something you won’t love. The nerd in all of us will appreciate the crazy attention to detail in each piece— check out the well-thought-out references on The Duel Sweater, or how the Hogwarts house-inspired maxi dresses have wand pockets. When I say Elhoffer thought of everything when designing these, they really, truly thought of everything.
I’ve been waiting all season to finally break out some of these galactic fall goodies, especially the Galactic General Longline Cardigan, modeled after Carrie Fisher’s cover of Vanity Fair. It comes in two colors and surpasses the geek chic level— it is as high fashion as nerdy clothing can get. Take a walk in this on a crisp, fall day, caped sleeves blowing in the wind, and try and tell me you don’t feel as badass as General Organa herself. I dare you.
More recommendations: Marvel New York Collection by BlackMilk, Geeky retro skirts and more by 1138 Clothing